Ahead of Yeongdeok Songi Festival, Various Opinions Shared with Songi Producers
Kim Kwang-yeol, the governor of Yeongdeok County, Gyeongbuk, held a "Field Communication Day with Residents" at the Yeongdeok County Forestry Cooperative Forest Products Distribution Center on the 11th to seek development plans for Yeongdeok Songi (pine mushrooms) ahead of the peak Songi season and to listen to the difficulties faced by Songi producers.
Kim Kwang-yeol, Yeongdeok County Governor, held the 'Field Communication Day with County Residents' with Songyi producers.
Yeongdeok County holds an unrivaled position, having ranked first nationwide for 11 consecutive years in the production volume of wild Songi mushrooms. Over 80% of its area is covered by dense forests, providing an optimal environment for Songi growth. Additionally, the mushrooms grow while receiving sea breezes, resulting in firm texture and excellent flavor, making them highly regarded as premium products among enthusiasts.
However, despite this excellent quality, Yeongdeok Songi is not yet widely recognized nationwide. At the "Field Communication Day" meeting, Governor Kim focused on discussing ways to promote the excellence of Yeongdeok Songi and increase its recognition together with Songi production stakeholders.
As a result, a plan was proposed to enhance consumer trust and guarantee the quality of Yeongdeok Songi by categorizing grades and attaching corresponding bands. Governor Kim instructed the relevant parties to actively review this proposal.
Furthermore, Park Chun-hyun, president of the Yeonghae Aehyang Youth Association, suggested installing promotional sculptures at the Yeonghae Rest Area and the special Songi sales venues, as well as having experts regularly supervise the grading of Songi sold at events to increase reliability, which received a positive response.
In addition, various opinions were raised, including experiential activities such as famtours, scientific verification of quality and building promotional strategies based on it, and revitalizing small-package sales, all of which Yeongdeok County agreed to review.
Governor Kim Kwang-yeol stated, "This year, we plan to significantly increase the promotional budget and promote Yeongdeok Songi nationwide through national broadcasts and promotional events centered in the metropolitan area." He added, "We will refrain from conventional festival-style events and transform them into experiential festivals with diverse activities, striving to establish Yeongdeok Songi as a premium brand worthy of its excellent quality."
The 2023 Yeongdeok Songi sales venues will be open from the 25th of this month to the 15th of next month at the special sales venues in the County Sports Complex and Yeongdeok Rest Area. From the 6th to the 8th of next month, a grand event featuring various performances and live auctions will take place over three days.
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